10 reasons the Heat could go far in the playoffs

10. The lesser half

Michael Laughlin / Sun Sentinel

Sure LeBron and the Cavaliers loom. But this isn't the Western Conference, where the gauntlet includes the Warriors, Spurs and Thunder. You have to be very good to make the conference finals in the East, but don't necessarily have to be great.

Sure LeBron and the Cavaliers loom. But this isn't the Western Conference, where the gauntlet includes the Warriors, Spurs and Thunder. You have to be very good to make the conference finals in the East, but don't necessarily have to be great.

He remains a fixture courtside and travels with the team during the postseason. No, Pat Riley is not coaching teams to championship anymore. But he remains a calming presence during the most tense portion of the NBA calendar.

He remains a fixture courtside and travels with the team during the postseason. No, Pat Riley is not coaching teams to championship anymore. But he remains a calming presence during the most tense portion of the NBA calendar.